Savannah: American Prohibition Museum Ticket & Speakeasy Cocktail

Summary

American Prohibition Museum stories, cocktails, and Savannah’s wild past

You’ll wander through Savannah’s American Prohibition Museum with all senses firing—from lively street scenes to secretive speakeasies where period cocktails are poured (with valid ID). Hear local guides share wild stories, taste authentic drinks or mocktails, and step right into history’s messiest debates. You might leave laughing—or thinking harder than expected.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest—I didn’t expect to laugh so much at a museum about not drinking. But there I was in Savannah’s City Market, dodging a cardboard cutout of Carry Nation swinging her hatchet (she terrified me more than any ghost tour). The American Prohibition Museum is right in the middle of things, but somehow it feels like you’re slipping sideways into another time. There’s this faint smell—old wood and something sweet, maybe from the bar at the back?—and it just pulls you in before you realize.

Our guide, Marcus, had that kind of voice that makes you lean in without noticing. He pointed out the 1918 street scene—honestly, I could almost hear the clatter of shoes on cobblestones—and then led us through these wild dioramas. There was a preacher shouting about sin (I jumped when the recording started), and a moonshine shack tucked into fake trees that looked too real after my first sip of an Old Fashioned. The cocktail came with our guided tour option—if you’re over 21 and have your ID—and it tasted sharp and citrusy, nothing like what I’d tried before. Marcus told us how folks used to sneak drinks in teacups; he winked at me when I asked if that still happens in Savannah. Probably does.

The speakeasy part is hidden behind a door that looks like it leads to storage. Inside it’s dim, with low chatter and bartenders who actually know their stuff—I tried to order a Bees Knees but tripped over the words (the bartender grinned and made one anyway). If you’re under 21 or there on a Sunday, it’s mocktails only—Georgia law—but honestly, even those are worth trying. It was busy but never rushed; I liked how nobody hurried us along. There were families with strollers mixing with older couples swapping stories about their own grandparents’ “medicine cabinets.”

I still think about that last room—the photos of people celebrating when Prohibition ended, faces lit up like they’d been holding their breath for years. It made me wonder what we take for granted now. Anyway, if you find yourself near City Market and want something weirdly fun (and maybe a little sobering), this is worth an hour or two. Just bring your curiosity—and your ID if you want into the speakeasy.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore American Prohibition Museum

• Visit American Prohibition Museum
• View 1918 Street Scene diorama
• Watch Tent Revival with preacher
• See Carry Nation’s hatchet display
• Learn from Lillian Stephens and Adolphus Busch debate
• Explore Moonshine Scene exhibit
• Enjoy Speakeasy bar with cocktails

Top questions

Is admission to the American Prohibition Museum wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible throughout the museum.

Can children enter the speakeasy at the museum?

No, guests under 21 are not permitted in the speakeasy; photo ID is required for entry.

Are mocktails available for those who don’t drink alcohol?

Yes, mocktails are available at all times; on Sundays only mocktails are served due to Georgia law.

Is public transportation available near the museum?

Yes, there are public transportation options nearby for easy access.

What are the opening hours for the American Prohibition Museum?

August–March: 10am–5pm (last entry 4:15pm); April–July: 10am–6pm (last entry 5:15pm).

Are service animals allowed inside?

Yes, service animals are permitted inside; emotional support animals and pets are not allowed.

Is there an extra charge for children under 3 years old?

No, children aged 3 years or younger can enter free of charge.

Does admission include a guided tour or cocktail experience?

The basic ticket includes admission; upgrades offer guided tours and cocktail experiences.

What’s included

Your day includes museum admission to all immersive exhibits at Savannah’s American Prohibition Museum. You can upgrade for a guided tour with a local expert and enjoy a period-accurate cocktail or mocktail inside the museum’s hidden speakeasy (with valid ID). All ages welcome during regular hours; just bring your curiosity—and your photo ID if you want to try those cocktails.